WASHINGTON — More than 4.5 million people a year are bitten by dogs and children are the most common victims. Educating children about how to behave around dogs is one goal of National Dog Bite Prevention Week that starts Monday.
Because you can’t predict whether an unfamiliar animal is a love muffin or a surly beast, it helps to be polite.
“Ask the owner, ‘May I have permission to approach your dog? May I pet your dog?’” said veterinarian Katy Nelson.
Some dogs bite because they’re surprised or scared. Avoid potentially stressful situations:
- When the dog is not with his owner.
- The dog is eating or sleeping or chewing.
- If a mother dog has puppies or is possessive of a friend.
The Humane Society of the United States said there are lots of signs suggesting a bite may be imminent:
- Ears back
- Body stiff
- Flicking tongue
- Pulled back head
- Intense stare
- Furrowed brows
- Backing away
- Eyes rolled so whites are visible
Approaching a new dog, extend a hand with the palm up so the dog can smell you. If it turns away and isn’t interested in you, Nelson says not to force contact.
Pet owners also have a role to play to prevent dog bites. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation recommends socializing dogs at an early age to feel at ease in different situations. A dog should be introduced to different people and other animals while it’s still a puppy.
